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SAF NATIONAL AI THREAT CENTER

Fraudulent QR Codes Placed on Parking Meters and Public Equipment

HIGHQR Code Fraud
United States
Published: November 27, 2025
Source: FTC Consumer Alerts

Threat Overview

Scammers are placing fake QR codes on parking meters, gas pumps, and other public payment systems to steal financial information and payment data.

Law enforcement agencies across multiple states have reported a surge in "QR code swapping" scams, where criminals place fraudulent QR code stickers over legitimate payment codes on parking meters, electric vehicle charging stations, gas pumps, and other public payment terminals. When unsuspecting users scan these fake QR codes to make payments, they are redirected to fraudulent websites designed to steal credit card information, banking credentials, and personal data. In some cases, the fake payment pages look identical to the legitimate versions, making detection extremely difficult. Victims have reported unauthorized charges ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars after scanning compromised QR codes. The scam is particularly effective because QR codes are becoming ubiquitous for contactless payments, and most people do not carefully inspect them before scanning. Municipalities and parking authorities are now warning residents to be cautious when using QR codes for payments. Security experts recommend typing payment URLs directly into browsers when possible, and carefully inspecting QR codes for signs of tampering such as stickers placed over original codes or misaligned printing.

Threat Indicators

  • •Law enforcement agencies across multiple states have reported a surge in "QR code swapping" scams, where criminals place fraudulent QR code stickers over legitimate payment codes on parking meters, electric vehicle charging stations, gas pumps, and other public payment terminals.
  • •When unsuspecting users scan these fake QR codes to make payments, they are redirected to fraudulent websites designed to steal credit card information, banking credentials, and personal data.
  • •In some cases, the fake payment pages look identical to the legitimate versions, making detection extremely difficult.
  • •Victims have reported unauthorized charges ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars after scanning compromised QR codes.
  • •The scam is particularly effective because QR codes are becoming ubiquitous for contactless payments, and most people do not carefully inspect them before scanning.

Recommended Actions

  • Type payment URLs directly into your browser instead of scanning QR codes
  • Verify QR codes are official before scanning, especially on parking meters or public equipment
  • Check for signs of tampering or stickers covering original codes
  • Use official payment apps or websites for government and utility payments
  • Contact your bank immediately if you've made payments via suspicious QR codes

Educational Resource

This pattern is part of the SAF Signal public awareness initiative. StopAiFraud.com provides these educational resources to help individuals, institutions, and communities recognize emerging AI-enabled fraud patterns and make safer decisions.

About SAF Signal

SAF Signal reflects community-reported signals and observed patterns related to AI-enabled fraud attempts. It does not represent confirmed crimes, verified losses, or enforcement determinations.